'Let his Excellency stay here and drink a glass of wine at this venta,' said Concepcion. 'Alone, I shall be able to get information without attracting attention. And then, in the name of the saints, let us shake the dust of Xeres off our feet. The first thing we see is steel, and I do not like it. I have a wife in Algeciras to whom I am much attached, and I am afraid--yes, afraid. A gentleman need never hesitate to say so.'
He shook his head forebodingly as he loosened his girths and called for water for the horses.
'I could eat a cocida,' he went on, sniffing the odours of a neighbouring kitchen, 'with plenty of onions and the mutton as becomes the springtime--young and tender. Dios! this quick travelling and an empty stomach, it kills one.'
'When I have delivered my letter,' replied C
